Factors for Rituximab Refractoriness in AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD: A Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe autoimmune condition of the central nervous system (CNS), often associated with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG). Rituximab, a CD20+ B-cell depleting monoclonal antibody, is widely used as first-line therapy. However, a subset of patients exhibits treatment refractoriness. Our objective is to investigate factors associated with treatment refractoriness in AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD patients treated with rituximab.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 54 AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD patients treated with rituximab between 2006 and 2023. Clinical, imaging, and genetic data were analyzed. Treatment failure was defined as at least one relapse occurring after 6 months of rituximab initiation. Statistical an

SUBMITTER: Marrodan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12343303 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature